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Thousands of chickens killed in lorry crash as man issued community order

Over 4000 live chickens were being transported in the lorry that crashed near Dumfries.

A lorry driver who caused a crash and killed thousands of live chickens in the process has been issued with a community order.

Lee Cooper, 42, caused a crash on the A75 at Crocketford, near Dumfries during the evening of November 21, 2022 after attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre.

The lorry was transporting around 4,500 live chickens within crates with approximately half of the animals killed as a result of the crash.

Police say Cooper attempted to overtake another lorry by crossing to the wrong side of the road before swerving back to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

The HGV overturned and struck two parked cars and a pedestrian crossing signal post in the process.

It left the driver injured and requiring hospital treatment while the A75 was closed for 15 hours after the collision.

Damage was also caused to a house in the Crocketford area as a result of the crash.

Cooper pled guilty to dangerous driving at Dumfries Sheriff Court on Tuesday, January 9 and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

The man has also been ordered to carry out 75 hours of community service, and to sit an extended driving test.

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